As of October 19, 2023, individuals with Israeli passports can travel to the United States for tourism or business purposes for up to 90 days without first obtaining a U.S. visa. While the rollout of visa-free travel for Israeli nationals was slated to occur on November 30, 2023, it appears the State Department has expedited this due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East and the fact that nonimmigrant and immigrant visa services at the U.S. consular posts in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv are currently suspended.
On September 26, 2023, the Department of Homeland Security announced Israel’s designation into the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), which allows eligible travelers to apply online for authorization to travel to the United States through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), without requiring them to obtain a U.S. visa. The DHS updated ESTA on October 19, 2023, to permit Israeli passport holders to apply online for travel authorization.
Those traveling under the Visa Waiver Program by air or by sea must have a round-trip or onward ticket departing the United States within 90 days of their intended arrival, as well as a biometrically enabled passport book. ESTA applications may take up to 72 hours for processing. Those with valid B-1/B-2 visas may continue to use them for travel to the United States until expiration.
Please note that the above is for informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. For specific questions about how the Visa Waiver Program may apply to your circumstances, please contact your team at D&S.